Denise cringed as she looked at her schedule for the next week. Not only was she going to be very busy, but the corporate holiday party was on Friday. Ugh! She hated these corporate functions. It wasn’t so much the functions, but more the fact that she always seemed to be the one person who showed up alone while everyone else had their spouse or a date with them.
Being a busy executive for a major corporation left little time for a social life. Sixty hour weeks just aren’t conducive to maintaining a decent relationship. But just once, she would like to have a hot guy on her arm as she arrived at a corporate party so it wouldn’t look like work was all she did (even though that’s true). Denise wondered if she could hire a date for the party that would fit the bill.
A quick online search pulled up several companies that provide companions. Hmmm, Cowboys4Angels – catchy name. As she perused the photos, she couldn’t help but be impressed by the quality of the men she was seeing. And the best part of all, they had companions right here in Orange County! That cinched the deal for Denise. This year, she would not enter the corporate holiday party alone. This year she would enter with Blake on her arm. She could hardly contain her excitement as she called to make the arrangements.
Busy as she was, Denise found herself sneaking looks at Blake’s photos during her brief breaks over next few days and imagining what it might be like to actually go to the party with him. More importantly, how would she explain him to everyone else?! She decided to let their imaginations try to figure it out. No need to explain anything to anyone.
On the day of the party, Denise was actually a bit nervous, which is strange for the person who has brokered million dollar deals. This was different though, and she was feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation in addition to being mildly nervous. She picked out the perfect dress – a deep red velvet wrap-around dress trimmed in lace that hugged her curves and had just the right amount of plunge in front and back. And she was able to wear her favorite pair of killer heels since Blake is six foot tall.
She had already provided all of the event details when she made her appointment, so tonight she could just focus on making sure she looked perfect. Sizing herself up in the mirror, Denise had to admit she had done pretty well in picking her outfit. As she slipped on her earrings, the doorbell rang. Her heart skipped a beat, and she flushed just a little bit. Blake was right on time.
As Denise opened the door, her breath caught in her throat. Blake was the image of perfection standing there in his suit. His hazel eyes twinkled as he greeted her by extending a rose. He took in her beauty and let out a low whistle. Denise’s hand trembled as she reached to accept his offering. She felt an electricity go from her hand to her very core as her hand brushed his. She grabbed her wrap, and they were on their way.
Ever the gentleman, Blake opened the car door for her and helped her in. Their conversation was easy as they chatted about work and the holidays on the way to the venue. Pulling up to the valet at the door, Blake got out and came around to open her car door. He reached for her hand and once again she felt the same electricity nearly melt her insides.
As they prepared to enter the ballroom, Blake placed his arm around her waist and leaned in to whisper in her ear.
“You look stunning, and every woman at this party will be jealous.”
Denise practically floated through the door from that one whisper. She could tell that many people looked as they entered, and she could especially see her female co-workers react. She was loving the reaction! Let them talk. She was feeling on top of the world at the moment.
Blake grabbed a cocktail for both of them from the bar and then they circulated the room. Being an entrepreneur himself, Blake had no trouble talking up the executives in attendance, and his outgoing, friendly demeanor won over even the coldest of them. Denise felt totally at ease as Blake held her hand when they navigated the room. She could feel everyone watching her and was sure they were shocked she wasn’t alone this year.
With cocktail hour complete, they found their table for dinner. Blake pulled out her chair, and while she sat, he whispered in her ear, “You are the belle of the ball, my dear. Everyone is watching you.” She blushed just a little as her insides warmed with the thought.
Dinner was blur as conversation swirled around inventions, acquisitions and mergers. Even at a party, work was always the topic. Once dinner was complete though, the atmosphere lightened up as the band started to play. Time to have some fun. Usually she spent each year watching everyone else have fun.
Blake took her hand and led her to the dance floor. It had been a long time since she danced with anyone, but there was definite energy with Blake. Denise could feel a lot of eyes on her and briefly felt subconscious, but Blake’s touch brought her back into the moment. They swayed and twirled to the beat of the music and she felt like Cinderella at the ball. When the music slowed, Blake slid his arm around her and pulled her close. Denise’s heart skipped as the heat between them grew and they moved smoothly to the slow beat. She felt like she was on a cloud as they moved, heads tilted together cheek to cheek. The rest of the night was a blur, and before she knew it, they were headed home. Blake held her hand as they drove, and the electricity between them was undeniable. Her insides were on fire.
In the elevator up to her place, Blake held her close, and she leaned her head on his shoulder. Tonight was everything she had hoped it would be. She was sure she would get peppered with questions from her fellow executives on Monday.
She invited Blake in for a nightcap. Standing on her balcony, they soaked in the warm night air and twinkling lights of the town. They toasted a successful evening, and as Denise looked at Blake, his smoldering eyes threatened to burn a hole to her very core. He brushed a strand of hair from her face, and his touch created a charge of electricity that sent shivers down her spine. The heat of the night swirled around them both as the fire that had been present all night consumed them as everything else faded to black.